Chandigarh: AI boom leaves PU playing catch up

Punjab University, long regarded as a flagship institution in the region, has slipped further down the QS World University Rankings 2027, falling from the 901‑950 bracket to the 1001‑1200 range globally and from 32nd to 43rd among Indian universities.

The decline coincides with a surge of artificial intelligence activity across Chandigarh, where startups, training centres and corporate labs are rapidly expanding.

While the university’s traditional programmes remain unchanged, the accelerating demand for AI expertise has exposed a gap in its curriculum.

The QS rankings evaluate institutions on research output, teaching quality and global reputation; a drop signals potential challenges in keeping pace with evolving academic and industry trends.

Local tech hubs have reported increased enrolment in AI courses outside the university, highlighting the mismatch between market needs and the university’s offerings.

University officials have not yet announced a concrete plan to integrate AI subjects into its syllabus, leaving students to seek alternatives elsewhere.

The situation underscores the need for higher education institutions in Chandigarh to adapt quickly if they wish to retain their standing amid the region’s digital transformation.

Source: Hindustan Times